Footnotes

What would turn out to be the final glorious incarnation of Jaguar's fabulous 'XK' series of sports cars arrived in 1957. As its nomenclature suggests, the XK150 was a progressive development of the XK120 and XK140, retaining the same basic chassis, 3.4-litre engine and four-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors while benefiting from a new, wider body that provided increased interior space and improved visibility courtesy of a single-piece wrap-around windscreen, replacing the XK140's divided screen. Cleverly, the new body used many XK120/140 pressings, the increased width being achieved by means of a 4"-wide central fillet. A higher front wing line and broader radiator grille were other obvious differences but the new model's main talking point was its Dunlop disc brakes. Fade following repeated stops from high speed had been a problem of the earlier, drum-braked cars but now the XK had stopping power to match its prodigious straight-line speed.

Introduced in the spring of 1957, the XK150 was available at first only in fixed and drophead coupé forms, the open roadster version not appearing until the following year. At 190bhp, the engine's maximum power output was identical to that of the XK140 so performance was little changed. 'Special Equipment' and 'S' versions came with 210 and 250bhp respectively. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options, the latter becoming an increasingly popular choice, while a Thornton Powr-Lok limited-slip differential was available for the XK150S. Steel wheels remained the standard fitting, though XK150s so equipped are a great rarity, as most were sold in SE (Special Equipment) specification with centre-lock wire wheels. The much-admired chromed Jaguar mascot was made available as an optional extra on an XK for the first time.

One of only 662 drophead coupés made, this overdrive-equipped example of one of the most sought-after of XK150 variants was purchased new by the current vendor's mother from Henlys on 29th April 1958. She then proceeded to cover some 12,000 miles in the car in its first year! The XK was serviced by Henlys up to 1972 when responsibility for its maintenance transferred to Sparks & Co of Oxted, Surrey. During the 1980s, F W Saunders maintained the car, which was inherited by the vendor in December 1989 and since the late 1990s has been cared for by K Cooper Motor Engineers of Cambridge. Amazingly, every single service/maintenance bill from new to the present day has been retained in the superb history file, close inspection of which is highly recommended.Shortly after assuming responsibility, Cooper's completely restored the XK using parts supplied by marque specialist Guy Broad at a cost of some £40,000. More recently (in June 2012), it benefited from a major service carried out by J K Engineering at a cost of £2,200 and has been fitted with a new braking system from Guy Broad (cost £1,400). Luke safety belts and a Kenlowe electric cooling fan are the only notified deviations from factory specification.

Taxed until the end of April 2014, the car is described as in generally very good condition mechanically (the overdrive engaging instantly) with good bodywork, paint and interior, the latter boasting new dashboard and door cards (replaced during restoration) while retaining its original seats. As well as the aforementioned full complement of invoices, the accompanying history file also contains the original manufacturer's guarantee, owner's manual, service handbook, lubrication chart and owner's car identity card, together with the V5 registration document. A wonderfully original car, running and driving exceptionally well, 'MJH 767' represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully documented example of the ultimate expression of the XK line.

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